Instead of avoiding the books that annoy you, why not avoid the books that please you? The books that please you are likely to re-inforce your prejudices and make you even more complacent and self satisfied. Instead, read the books you are given. Read the books that life tosses into your path unexpectedly. Read the books you would otherwise avoid; the books that challenge you and make you think twice. They’re the books that make you stand on your head and see the world as it really is.
I truly am a snoring scholar…I start to read and then I fall asleep! I’d be happy to find the time to get through any book!
Seriously, though, I agree with what he says, but at the same time, sometimes we DO need to have our opinions reinforced, especially if day after day we find ourselves the lone defender of Truth in a secular, commercial world. But, I also feel there is a danger in limiting our life’s experience to what makes us feel comfortable…like only watching or reading news programs that are from a perspective with which we agree or only reading blogs of like-minded people or only reading books or movies from approved lists. We need to know how the “other” side thinks in order to interact with them in a charitable manner.
So maybe “Snoring Scholar” should be a group blog! 🙂
And you bring up excellent points, as usual, Michelle. Over at Happy Catholic, when I was catching up on my blog reading this weekend, I found a quote by Dorothy Day. I was considering posting it here on my blog, but I think a lot of “my” readers already check there…it’s a great reminder that as mothers, we might not have time to read, but that’s OK, because mothering is important too! (Although I know you know that better than I do!)
Knowing the other side is important, but I always have to caution myself a little. Because it is possible to get “sucked in” and tricked and misled. Knowing the other side is a careful business, but I value it as a part of how I reach decisions and better understand things myself.